Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

Elite Veins NY

Bradley Radwaner, MD, FACC

Vein Specialist located in New York, NY

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally-invasive in office procedure taking approximately 30-45 minutes for treating venous insufficiency and varicose veins. If you suffer from these painful, unsightly veins, or have leg pain, burning, or swelling, RFA could be a good treatment option for you. At Elite Veins, located in New York, NY, Dr. Bradley Radwaner offers RFA procedures done in the office under local anesthesia, with the patient able to walk right out of the office when completed. To learn more, call the office or use our online system to schedule an appointment today.

Radiofrequency Ablation

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally-invasive treatment for venous insufficiency and varicose veins. In RFA, a small plastic catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and then the vein to seal closed. Once the vein is sealed closed, the blood is routed to nearby healthy veins for improved circulation in the area.

Radiofrequency ablation has become the most popular alternative to the more invasive vein stripping procedure done in hospitals or the more painful laser vein ablations. Because RFA is noninvasive, it’s associated with far less tissue damage and a faster and more comfortable recovery compared to vein stripping procedures or laser vein ablation. The very small incisions used in RFA mean you can expect much less scarring compared to stripping techniques or bleeding and bruising used in laser vein ablation.

What happens during the RF procedure?

Radiofrequency ablation can be performed in the office as an outpatient procedure. First, Dr. Radwaner maps out the vein using ultrasound imaging. He marks the incision site and numbs the treatment area using a local anesthetic. Then he makes a small incision into the damaged vein. The incision allows Dr. Radwaner to insert a thin, flexible catheter into the damaged vein. Once the catheter is in position, the radiofrequency device is advanced to the damaged area of the vein. The device emits controlled beams of energy along the damaged portion of the vein, causing it to shrink and the vein to seal closed. Because the RFA catheter allows precise measuring of the temperature reached within the vein, something not possible with laser vein ablation, less bleeding, bruising, and tissue damage will occur.

After the vein is treated, Dr. Radwaner performs another ultrasound to assess the results before he removes the catheter. When the procedure is complete, he removes the catheter and RFA device and covers the incision with a special dressing.

What is recovery like after RF ablation?

Once your RF ablation treatment is complete, you’ll be able to walk right away, and in fact, regular walking is encouraged to promote healing and circulation. You’ll need to wear the dressing that was placed on after the procedure for approximately 48 hours. You’ll also need to come back to the office for a brief follow-up exam and an ultrasound to make sure the vein is closed.

Insurance Policy:

Elite Veins NY is a concierge practice without a concierge fee. Before your appointment, please provide the office with your insurance policy number and group number in order for us to check your out-of-network coverage. Participates in Medicare only.